Aligned with the recommendations of the International Taskforce on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.
Job Title:
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
Reports to:
School Executive Director/ Head of Academic Division / Inclusion Lead
Role Summary:
The SENCO is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational coordination of provision for students with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), ensuring that all learners – including those in bilingual and multilingual contexts – have equitable access to high-quality, inquiry-based IB education. The postholder will collaborate with teachers, parents, external agencies, and school leaders while maintaining classroom teaching responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Ensure that all students with special learning needs receive support
- Update the list of students with special learning needs from the academic office and teachers
- Observe the classroom to promptly identify students with special learning needs
- Assess and categorize students into groups that require support
2. Develop and implement educational programs for students with special needs
- Evaluate students’ learning needs and develop appropriate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Ensure that IEPs are effectively implemented and track students’ progress
- Support teachers in developing and implementing teaching methods that are appropriate for students with special needs
3. Provide consultation and support for teachers
- Train and advise teachers on identifying and addressing the needs of students with special needs
- Provide resources and educational strategies to help teachers improve their teaching methods
- Monitor and support teachers in adjusting their teaching methods to meet students’ needs
4. Interact with parents and families
- Build relationships with parents and maintain regular communication about students’ progress and home support strategies
- Organize regular meetings to discuss students’ learning progress and needs
- Contribute to collaborative planning meetings to model integrated SEN support.
5. Collaborate with experts inside and outside the school
- Collaborate with school specialists, psychologists, and external organizations when necessary to provide support for students
- Ensure that students have access to additional support services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc
6. Manage records and reports
- Prepare regular reports on the progress of students with special needs and report to the administration
- Manage and maintain students’ academic records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with personal data protection regulations
7. Ensure an inclusive learning environment
- Propose large-scale intervention and prevention programs
- Collaborate with the safety committee to implement programs ensuring the physical and mental health safety of students
- Ensure that students with special needs are fully involved in educational and extracurricular activities
- Encourage a diverse learning environment, including inclusion and respect for the differences of all students
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Hold a degree in Education or Special Education
- PGCE/QTS or equivalent
- Experience with inquired-based approaches
- At least 3 years’ teaching experience in bilingual/international schools
- Strong collaboration and organizational skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding and learning support principles
Desirable:
- Post graduate certificate in SEN or inclusive education
- Experience in bilingual (Vietnamese -English) school settings
- Training in cognative or behavioural assessment tools
- Familiarity with WIDA, MAP or similar progress frameworks.
Professional Standards:
The SENCO upholds the school’s values of integrity, international-mindedness, inquiry, and equity, and contributes to an inclusive school culture aligned with the CIS Code of Ethics.
